22 June 2011

Texas tries again

This is very good news, indeed. Texas State Rep David Simpson introduced two bills to the legislative session this year[.] In a wild turn of events, the legislative session was extended by Gov Rick Perry for a month to finish work on other legislation, and it was left to his sole discretion to decide what to add to the agenda. With a little over a week left in the extended session — and after an about-face by Lt Gov David Dewhurst, a nationwide campaign, and recent publicity of state legislators being violated by the TSA — the [anti-groping] bill is back on the agenda.

From Star-Telegram article:

Some state officials and lawmakers have offered anecdotes to illustrate what they say is inappropriate or invasive behavior by TSA inspectors.

State Rep. Barbara Nash, R-Arlington, said she has thought several times that TSA inspectors went too far in security patdowns. Recently, she said, a female inspector felt "all the way up" the outside of her dress, in back and front.

"It made me angry. ... it was not something I would want to happen to someone else," Nash said.

At the other end of the political spectrum, state Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort Worth, one of the most liberal members of the House, was also critical of TSA procedures.

"I definitely think the way TSA is implementing their responsibilities is invasive of people's privacy," he said.

It would seem the bill's appeal crosses political lines, though, it would seem politics will still play a role as the article goes on to say:

Burnam supported the legislation in the regular session but said he was uncertain whether he will remain a supporter, saying he was "put off" by Perry's decision to include it in the special session.

"This whole special session is almost disgusting," Burnam said. "It's all about his candidacy for the presidency. It's not about what's good for Texas."

Not what's good for Texas? "Put off" by Perry's decision? Hey Burnam, how about you consider "taking one for the team", here. Instead of trying to screw Perry by voting against this legislation (which you actually support), how about you try to avoid screwing the people that you supposedly serve by protecting their liberty?

The legislation has until next Wednesday (June 29) to pass. Follow the fight here.